Forecasting Climate Change

Forecasting Climate Change

by Amy Lignor

As with anything in this world, it depends on whose opinion or observations you trust as to just how bad climate change is becoming.

As 2016 begins to wrap up, climate scientists, atmospheric physicists, chemists, oceanographers – you name it – no one can come up with any other explanation for climate change and the warming of our planet other than human activity. How fast is it happening? What impacts will occur next year? There are a list of questions, as always, but the only fact that never changes is that humans and the trouble we are causing is the main source of global warming.

Evidence is produced showing that changes in weather, oceans and ecosystems/habitats, come from natural causes, but the evidence is not prevalent. Human activities include releasing billions of tons of carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere each and every year. Climate changes will not cease, seeing as that the more greenhouse gases we emit, the larger future climate change problems will become.

It’s important to note that the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.5°F, with some regions of the world warming more than twice that amount. Greenhouse gases and their build-up are responsible for a list of troubles: from temperatures and precipitation patterns to the melting of glaciers to shifts in ecosystems that have negatively affected the length of growing seasons and the migration of birds.

The EPA is not uncaring or silent about this problem. It was just recently, in 2016, that the EPA launched an online portal that actually provides local leaders with information and tools that will better equip them to handle climate changes. Based on the area they live in, this online service (Adaptation Resource Center/ARC-X) provides users with the info pertaining to their specific areas and concerns.

People may roll their eyes at this –i.e., “more useless government spending.” But the fact is this site is more than necessary. Recent statistics proved that the federal government incurred more than $357 billion in direct costs due to extreme weather conditions, storms, and fires over the past 10 years. Climate change is also expected to bring about highly significant financial challenges to everyone. Which is why the EPA designed ARC-X to help all local government officials.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, stated that: “From floods and droughts to dangerous heat islands and other public health effects, communities are facing the very real impacts of climate change. ARC-X is a powerful new tool that can help local governments continue to deliver reliable, cost-effective services even as the climate changes.”

The system is not only about telling people what is coming in regards to dangerous weather or the ill effects of climate change, it actually guides people through the process of how best to adapt to the changes that have already come about. They can adapt and address their specific risks and problems, and read case studies done on towns and communities that have already successfully adapted, so others may learn from them.

Yes, no matter who sits in the chair in The White House, climate change and ecosystem issues will continue. And, yes, there will be money spent in many areas in an attempt to stop what seems to be a constantly-increasing problem that will continue to get worse until we learn how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We have done good work, thus far. From wind energy to solar shields to environmental projects that are saving trees, forests and better serving industry, work is most certainly being done correctly. But more has to happen. Global warming was projected to not only continue during the 21st century, but intensify. Therefore, the most aggressive action needs to be taken by us – the world’s population – in order to literally save this planet for the next generation to be able to “breathe” a little easier.

Forecasting Climate Change

Forecasting Climate Change

by Amy Lignor

As with anything in this world, it depends on whose opinion or observations you trust as to just how bad climate change is becoming.

As 2016 begins to wrap up, climate scientists, atmospheric physicists, chemists, oceanographers – you name it – no one can come up with any other explanation for climate change and the warming of our planet other than human activity. How fast is it happening? What impacts will occur next year? There are a list of questions, as always, but the only fact that never changes is that humans and the trouble we are causing is the main source of global warming.

Evidence is produced showing that changes in weather, oceans and ecosystems/habitats, come from natural causes, but the evidence is not prevalent. Human activities include releasing billions of tons of carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere each and every year. Climate changes will not cease, seeing as that the more greenhouse gases we emit, the larger future climate change problems will become.

It’s important to note that the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.5°F, with some regions of the world warming more than twice that amount. Greenhouse gases and their build-up are responsible for a list of troubles: from temperatures and precipitation patterns to the melting of glaciers to shifts in ecosystems that have negatively affected the length of growing seasons and the migration of birds.

The EPA is not uncaring or silent about this problem. It was just recently, in 2016, that the EPA launched an online portal that actually provides local leaders with information and tools that will better equip them to handle climate changes. Based on the area they live in, this online service (Adaptation Resource Center/ARC-X) provides users with the info pertaining to their specific areas and concerns.

People may roll their eyes at this –i.e., “more useless government spending.” But the fact is this site is more than necessary. Recent statistics proved that the federal government incurred more than $357 billion in direct costs due to extreme weather conditions, storms, and fires over the past 10 years. Climate change is also expected to bring about highly significant financial challenges to everyone. Which is why the EPA designed ARC-X to help all local government officials.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, stated that: “From floods and droughts to dangerous heat islands and other public health effects, communities are facing the very real impacts of climate change. ARC-X is a powerful new tool that can help local governments continue to deliver reliable, cost-effective services even as the climate changes.”

The system is not only about telling people what is coming in regards to dangerous weather or the ill effects of climate change, it actually guides people through the process of how best to adapt to the changes that have already come about. They can adapt and address their specific risks and problems, and read case studies done on towns and communities that have already successfully adapted, so others may learn from them.

Yes, no matter who sits in the chair in The White House, climate change and ecosystem issues will continue. And, yes, there will be money spent in many areas in an attempt to stop what seems to be a constantly-increasing problem that will continue to get worse until we learn how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We have done good work, thus far. From wind energy to solar shields to environmental projects that are saving trees, forests and better serving industry, work is most certainly being done correctly. But more has to happen. Global warming was projected to not only continue during the 21st century, but intensify. Therefore, the most aggressive action needs to be taken by us – the world’s population – in order to literally save this planet for the next generation to be able to “breathe” a little easier.

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
Learn More at Z Man Fishing

After the Strike World record-holders will quickly agree there is much more to skilled angling than simply finding and hooking a fish. The battle, especially with large, powerful game fish, Read More…
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Take the Trip of a Life Time
Take a short drive south of New Orleans, and you come to the southernmost point in Louisiana. It’s Venice and being at the end of the road is just the beginning of your trip for world-class yellowfin tuna fishing
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Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…